iPad 9th gen is still the sweet spot at around $329. Yeah, it's not the latest and greatest, but for college work it's perfect. Apple Pencil support for note-taking, tons of educational apps, and it'll last you through graduation easily. The ecosystem integration is clutch if you already have an iPhone or Mac. I'm in my third year using mine and it still runs everything I need without hiccups.

Get an iPad.

Finding a versatile tablet under $500 for college is definitely doable! The Apple iPad (10th or 11th gen) is a popular choice for students, often priced around $349. It handles note-taking, research, and entertainment well, offering a good balance of performance, battery life, and budget.